Get the most important first winners of various Indian Literature Awards GK Questions. These questions are highly useful for competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railways, and State Exams.
Q11. Who was the first recipient of the Ananda Puraskar (Bengali Literature)?
A. Shankar B. Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay C. Tarashankar Bandyopadhyay D. Buddhadeb Guha
Correct Answer: B. Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay
Explanation: Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, author of the famous novel “Pather Panchali,” was the first recipient of the Ananda Puraskar in 1958. This Bengali literary award recognizes outstanding contributions to literature, enriching Indian cultural and artistic heritage.
Q12. Who was the first Indian to win the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship?
A. S. Radhakrishnan B. R. C. Dutt C. Dr. S. K. Chatterjee D. R. C. Dutt
Correct Answer: A. S. Radhakrishnan
Explanation: The Sahitya Akademi Fellowship, the highest honor given by Sahitya Akademi, was first awarded in 1968 to philosopher and former President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, for his immense contribution to literature, philosophy, and education.
Q13. Who was the first winner of the Crossword Book Award?
A. Vikram Seth B. Khushwant Singh C. Kiran Desai D. Shashi Tharoor
Correct Answer: A. Vikram Seth
Explanation: Vikram Seth was the first recipient of the Crossword Book Award in 1998 for his novel “A Suitable Boy.” This award celebrates outstanding works by Indian authors and has helped promote contemporary Indian writing on a global scale.
Q14. Who was the first recipient of the Yuva Puraskar Award (Sahitya Akademi)?
A. Abhishek Sharma B. Abhirami Suresh C. Abhishek Nadkarni D. Abhishek Sharma (duplicate)
Correct Answer: A. Abhishek Sharma
Explanation: The Yuva Puraskar, established by Sahitya Akademi in 2011 to encourage young writers under 35, was first awarded to Abhishek Sharma for his Hindi poetry collection. The award aims to recognize and nurture upcoming literary talent in India.
Q15. Who was the first winner of the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize?
A. Rana Dasgupta B. Aravind Adiga C. Jeet Thayil D. Amitav Ghosh
Correct Answer: A. Rana Dasgupta
Explanation: Rana Dasgupta was the first winner of the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize in 2008 for his debut novel “Tokyo Cancelled.” This literary award recognizes new and promising writers from the Indian subcontinent who make a mark with their first work.
Q16. Who was the first Indian to win the Neustadt International Prize for Literature?
A. R. K. Narayan B. A. K. Ramanujan C. Girish Karnad D. Kamala Das
Correct Answer: C. Girish Karnad
Explanation: Girish Karnad, renowned playwright, was the first Indian to win the Neustadt International Prize for Literature in 1996. Often referred to as the “American Nobel,” the prize honored Karnad’s contribution to modern Indian theatre and his blending of tradition with modernity.
Q17. Who was the first Indian woman to win the Booker Prize?
A. Anita Desai B. Arundhati Roy C. Jhumpa Lahiri D. Kiran Desai
Correct Answer: B. Arundhati Roy
Explanation: Arundhati Roy was the first Indian woman to win the Booker Prize in 1997 for her book “The God of Small Things.” Her success marked a major milestone for Indian women authors on the international literary stage.
Q18. Who was the first recipient of the NTR National Literary Award?
A. C. Narayana Reddy B. Viswanatha Satyanarayana C. R. K. Narayan D. P. L. Deshpande
Correct Answer: A. C. Narayana Reddy
Explanation: C. Narayana Reddy, a well-known Telugu poet and writer, was the first recipient of the NTR National Literary Award in 1999. This award recognizes literary excellence in India and is named after legendary actor and politician N. T. Rama Rao.
Q19. Who was the first Indian to win the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize?
A. Salman Rushdie B. Vikram Seth C. Arundhati Roy D. Amitav Ghosh
Correct Answer: A. Salman Rushdie
Explanation: Salman Rushdie became the first Indian to win the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize in 1981 for his novel “Midnight’s Children.” The book explores India’s transition from British colonialism to independence and became one of the most influential works of the century.
Q20. Who was the first Indian writer to win the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature?
A. Jeet Thayil B. Shehan Karunatilaka C. H. M. Naqvi D. Jhumpa Lahiri
Correct Answer: C. H. M. Naqvi
Explanation: The DSC Prize for South Asian Literature was first awarded in 2011 to H. M. Naqvi, a Pakistani writer, for his debut novel “Home Boy.” Although not Indian, he was the first South Asian to win. The prize highlights literature from the subcontinent.
We hope these First Winners Of Various Indian Literature Awards GK Questions help you in revising important facts for your upcoming exams. Such award-based GK questions are frequently asked in government exams.